Day 1 Broadway
Rendezvous in Broadway at the Lygon Arms hotel, a former manor-house used by both Charles 1 and Cromwell as the tide of civil war flowed in the vicinity. The village nestles at the foot of the Cotswolds escarpment and with its stone-built Elizabethan houses has an unsurpassed English country charm. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner and introduction talk.
Climate in England

Day 2 Broadway
Meander through quintessential Cotswold villages of honey-toned stone. A local farmer tells us about Cotswold farming and introduces us to his sheep dog. We walk on to discover the remains of a Roman villa and to visit splendid Sudeley Castle, where Henry VIII's last surviving wife, Catherine Parr, lived and now lies buried in the church. After lunch, we continue to Hailes Abbey, now a romantic ruin but once a thriving Cistercian monastery.

Day 3 Chipping Campden
Walk into the high pastures with endless views across Evesham Vale to the Malvern hills. Arrive at the 16th century Stanway House and explore the fine 13th century Tithe Barn, lake and gardens of Lord Neidpath's spectacular home. After lunch in the village pub, we continue to Chipping Campden with its fine heritage of elegant buildings and a magnificent church, created from the medieval wealth of the wool trade. For garden lovers, Hidcote Manor Gardens - one of England's great gardens-is a wonderful alternative to the afternoon's walk.

Day 4 Chipping Campden
Our day begins in the golden village of Blockley and we walk to Batsford, home of Lord Dulverton and once playground of the Mitford sisters. From the Arboretum we visit the birds of prey centre where we take time to watch owls, falcons and eagles put through their paces. After a pub lunch, we continue walking through woodlands and meadows to Broad Campden and return to Chipping Campden.

Day 5 Oxford
We continue along the escarpment from Bourton-on-the-Hill and pass impressive Sezincote Hous. We meander through villages and farmyards to Stow-on-the-Wold, one of the finest antique centres in England, with time to browse in the shops. After lunch we head for Oxford to absorb the academic atmosphere of this lovely university city, or perhaps take a punt on the river, before our private dinner in one of the Colleges.

Day 6 Oxford/Departure
After breakfast we set out to explore this ancient center of learning, eventually ending at Oxford Rail Station where we say goodbye.